Gothic Cathedrals

Gothic sculpture was closely tied to architecture since it was used primarily to decorate the exteriors of cathedrals. The earliest Gothic sculptures were figures of saints, and the Holy Family and were used to decorate the doorways, or portals, of cathedrals. At Rimes, the facade covers a large area and is one of the most opulent groupings of sculpture in any Gothic church is more relaxed and naturalistic appearing, a trend that culminated in the sculptural decorations of the Reims Cathedral. The sculpture shows an increase in realism and movement. Part of the sculptural decoration, including the Visitation group, is carried out in a classical style, and part is done in a highly original style. The west front is fantastic, and almost every square inch of stone surface is covered with sculptural decoration and is elaborate. The peaks bring together the façade vertically, and the center one reaches to the heart of the rose window.
In Christianity, light has always been a principle of the divine and heavenly, and it illuminates our way in the world. In the Gospel of John, Jesus calls himself "The Light of the World" (John 8:12). It is the primary source of illumination and light. This light can create an ethereal and almost mystical effect that gives people a sense of connection with God and religion. The church sought to create an architecture that would highlight and maximize the use of light. The stained-glass windows are a beautiful part of Reims despite being damaged or ruined several times in the 18th century although the cathedral still has many 13th century stained glass windows. The Great Rose Window symbolizes “the Crowning of the Virgin” and is surrounded by musician angels, prophets, and kings. A great rose window fills the clerestory level, and below it is a row of lancets, and then a smaller window below